Watch WRC Rally Chile Bio Bío — Day 1 Free.

What's at Stake

As the 12th round of the 2026 World Rally Championship, Rally Chile Bio Bío serves as a critical penultimate fixture in the fight for both the Drivers' and Manufacturers' titles. With the season entering its final stretch, drivers must master the fast, sweeping gravel roads of Talcahuano to secure maximum points before the championship heads to its concluding rounds. Any mistake on these technical forestry stages could decisively end a contender's championship aspirations.

Form Guide

Heading into the South American gravel fixture, the frontrunners have shown highly competitive form across recent high-speed gravel events, trading victories and podium finishes. The unique, cambered stages of the Biobío region demand precise tyre management and road-sweeping strategy, meaning those who excelled in previous loose-surface rounds will carry significant momentum into this opening day.

Key Players to Watch

• Kalle Rovanperä — The Finnish driver's exceptional car control on fast, flowing gravel makes him a formidable threat on the smooth Chilean forestry tracks.
• Thierry Neuville — Known for his adaptability, the Belgian will look to utilize his extensive experience to navigate the challenging road cleaning conditions on Day 1.
• Ott Tänak — A proven master of high-speed gravel rallies, the Estonian driver possesses the aggressive style needed to extract maximum pace from the Talcahuano stages.

Prediction

Day 1 is expected to favor the later runners who will benefit from a cleaner line once the loose surface gravel is swept away by the early starters. Expect a tight battle at the top of the leaderboard, with Kalle Rovanperä leveraging his road position to secure a narrow lead heading into the service park at the end of the leg. The gaps at the top will likely remain under ten seconds, setting up a highly competitive weekend.